Tuberculosis of the breast.

Abstract

Five cases of tuberculosis of the breast were observed at Temple University Hospital during the past 20 years. Because tuberculous mastitis is very rare, all 5 patients were suspected of having carcinoma. Only 2 had mammograms, and the condition in both was diagnosed as carcinoma. Radiographs of the chest in 4 patients were suggestive of active or inactive pulmonary tuberculosis, and in the fifth patient tuberculous pleural effusion had been documented many years earlier. Four of the 5 patients had axillary lymphadenopathy. A local excision of the mass and the use of antituberculous chemotherapeutic agents appeared to provide sufficient therapy. The most recent patient was treated successfully by needle aspirations and chemotherapy. The effectiveness of this approach as compared to conventional early surgical therapy requires further evaluation.